On October 6th 1846 it was agreed that the South Staffordshire Railway Company would construct a railway line between Walsall and Lichfield Tent Valley with extensions between Walsall and Bescot (to allow through running to Birmingham, Lichfield Trent Valley and Wychnor Junction (to connect with the Midland Railway).

A one and a quarter mile section from Bescot Junction to Walsall had been marked out. It was opened in 1847 for passenger traffic only, using a terminus in Bridgeman place. The development enabled journeys from Walsall to be made to Curzon Street in Birmingham.

On the 9th April 1849 the South Staffordshire line was opened to Wychnor Junction, linking the local villages of Rushall, Pelsall, Brownhills, Hammerwich, Lichfield City and Alrewas.

Considerable preparation was necessary prior to the official opening of the line. The Midland Railway rule books were adapted for employees, clothing issued, posters and timetables printed and fares agreed upon. Trial runs were also necessary, to test the line.<Read More>

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